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Indians have a long and rich history in the UK, dating back to the 18th century. The British Indian community is now the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, with a population of over 1.9 million.

There are many reasons why Indians have chosen to make the UK their home. Some came during the British Raj, when India was a colony of the British Empire. Others have come more recently, seeking education, work opportunities, or a better quality of life.

British Indians have made significant contributions to British society in all areas of life, from business and the professions to the arts and culture. They have also helped to maintain and strengthen the cultural ties between India and the UK.

Here are some interesting facts about Indians in the UK:

• They are the single largest visible ethnic minority population in the country.
• They are one of the largest Indian communities in the diaspora.
• The majority of British Indians live in London, but there are also significant communities in other parts of the UK, such as Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester.
• British Indians are a highly diverse group, with people from all walks of life and from all parts of India.

They have made significant contributions to British society, in business, the professions, the arts, culture, and sport.

Indian Prime Minister Mr Modi joined the world leaders to congratulate Keir Starmer and his Labour party on the landslide victory in the UK elections 2024, saying:

"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to @Keir_Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity."

The Indian diaspora in the U.K. and abroad has responded to the Labour Party’s victory with a mix of emotions. Here are some notable reactions:

Celebration: Many British Indians who supported Labour are celebrating the party’s return to power after a long gap. They see this as an opportunity for progressive policies, social justice, and better representation.

Concerns: However, there are also concerns. Some worry about potential changes in immigration policies, economic stability, and the impact on business and trade relations between India and the U.K.

Unity: Overall, the Indian community remains diverse in its political views, but the election has sparked conversations and debates about the future direction of the country.

The hot issues Indians face in the UK are going to be resolved by the new Labour Gov?

The priorities of Indians in the UK can vary depending on individual circumstances, but some recurring themes emerge. Here's a breakdown of some top issues:

Economic Concerns: Just like the wider British population, the economy is a key concern for many Indian Britons, particularly with the current cost of living crisis.

Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is another important factor, especially for recent arrivals or those with specific needs.

Integration and Identity: Balancing cultural heritage with integration into British society can be a challenge for some Indian Britons. This can involve navigating cultural differences, prejudice, or discrimination.

Representation: While the Indian diaspora is successful and contributes significantly to the UK, some may feel underrepresented in politics or social spheres.

In general, most Indians agree that not much is going to change in the short term. Some symbolic changes in taxes here and there, this idea of stability Indians in the UK do not think is going to make a huge amount of difference in the short term.

If you look at the Labour Manifesto, it says:

A fair and properly managed immigration system

People who have come to the UK to work make a substantial contribution to our economy, our public services, and our communities.

Reducing net migration…

Their manifesto also claims:

We will reform the points-based immigration system so that it is fair and properly managed, with appropriate restrictions on visas, and by linking immigration and skills policy. Labour will not tolerate employers or recruitment agencies abusing the visa system. And we will not stand for breaches of employment law. Employers who flout the rules will be barred from hiring workers from abroad.

Reducing Reliance on Overseas Workers: 

Labour will address home-grown skills shortages by firing up skills training within the UK, rather than relying solely on overseas workers.

Points-Based Immigration System: 

Labour supports a points-based immigration system that benefits both workers and businesses. The goal is to bring down migration while ensuring proper wages and conditions.

Tackling Small Boat Crossings: 

Labour plans to implement a practical strategy to address small boat chaos and secure the borders effectively.

Remember, these policies are subject to further development and implementation, but they reflect Labour’s commitment to a fair and controlled immigration system

Indian culture is a vibrant and important part of British life. This rich culture is evident in many aspects of British life, from food and fashion to religion and festivals.

One of the most visible ways that Indian culture has influenced the UK is through areas in major cities, such as London, Birmingham, Leicester and Southall, that have a high concentration of Indian shops, restaurants, and cultural centres.

These neighbourhoods are a great place to experience Indian culture first-hand, whether you're trying delicious Indian food, shopping for traditional Indian clothing, or attending a cultural event.

Unfortunately, there have been incidents of attacks on Hindus in the UK. Here's some information to be aware of:

• Leicester Unrest (2022): The most prominent recent event was a period of religious tension in Leicester between Hindus and Muslims in August and September 2022. It involved riots, vandalism, and violence fueled by misinformation on social media.
• Anti-Hindu Hate Crimes: Reports suggest Hindu children facing bullying in schools and under-reporting of anti-Hindu hate crimes due to a lack of awareness.

The Labour party is not always on the good books of Indians in the UK. 

The following incidents reveal this feelings of Indians in the UK:

The election in 2015 of Jeremy Corbyn — who was outspoken on many issues considered sensitive by the Indian Hindu diaspora, such as Kashmir — Labour leader in 2015 exacerbated the shift towards the Tories even further.

The final nail in the coffin was the emergency motion passed at the Labour Party conference in 2019 calling for the people of Kashmir to “be given the right of self-determination”. Kuldeep Singh Shekhawat, president of Overseas Friends of BJP UK, said: “The entire Indian diaspora in Britain will not support Labour at the next general election because of this motion.”

Only time can tell what the Labour Gov means to Indians and their cultural welfare in the UK.